Goodbye Uncle Joe

They say you learn something new every day. While that may be true, odds are these new truths may not be the most profound things in your mental databank. They're probably more along the lines of how many sheets are in one brand of toilet paper over another or which alien inhabited the cover of the tabloid you scanned when you were waiting to be checked out at the grocery aisle. That being said, I've decided to make a conscious effort to learn something new every day that stretches my woefully neglected mental muscles.

What brought this on? Well, there have been people in my life who've come and gone and I've respected a great deal. The most recent to go, I'm sad to say, was my uncle, Brother John Joseph Dolan. He died unexpectedly this past Thursday at the age of 59. Far, far too young. He was one hell of a guy. I know you have to say that when someone dies, but he really, truly was.

So who was my uncle? He was something different to every person he met. He was a son, a brother, a Franciscan, a friend, a role model, a leader and a servant. He was this and so much more. He had one of the sharpest and most inquisitive minds I've ever encountered. He had this way about him that somehow made you question everything you already thought you knew. He never once preached religion, politics, or social justice but we sure talked about those subjects.

When I think of Uncle Joe I think of Fantasy books and single malt scotch. He loved Irish music and his wayward family, :). He was sarcastic and serious at times. Fun and light hearted at others. He told the BEST stories. He'd been pretty much everywhere in the world and saw the reality and hardships of the world's people--things I have trouble even imagining--and it only increased his devotion to his beliefs. He expected people to be fair to each other. My kindergarden cousin couldn't even get away with bending the rules of a game. (And believe me, he and said five year old could debate the finer points of these rules for hours.)

I often try to be a better person and I owe that to the amazing role models I've had in my life. We should all strive to reach the limits of our potential. To my uncle that centered around his vows to God and ended in countless accomplishments. To me I guess it means keeping my mind, spirit and body healthy; to love and protect my family and to guide my son.

So here's to you Uncle Joe. If I had a Guinness in my fridge, I'd have one for you but I guess diet iced tea will have to do. Thanks for everything. Oh, and by the way today I learned the order of the presidents. Would it be cheating to spend two days on the years they were in office?

The road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a journey new begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Monkey See, Monkey Do is a great children's bookstore in Clarence, NY. Since April is poetry month, they'll be having a special poetry night on Thursday, April 15th at 6:30pm. Children and parents can submit a poem for their April newsletter by Thursday, March 25th.

If you are interested in reading your poem, call 218-4121 or email them books@monkeysread.com.

I believe I've been neglecting my blog

Life has been wonderful and busy. February is hardly more than half over but it feels much older than that. I visited my mother in Long Island and some friends in NY. The trip went very well, but I'm glad to be home. I've done quite a bit of writing. I have what could be considered a book together, but I'm not quite satisfied with it. In the next few months, I hope to tie everything together. Wish me luck.

Since I'm never without a book, I decided to start keeping track of what I read. I haven't decided if this should be weekly or monthly, but I guess it depends on how much reading I do. Some weeks I read a book every night. Some weeks I only read one or two. BUT I'm going to keep everything here and review it. Maybe someone will find it interesting enough to discover a wonderful new author or book.

Until then, have a wonderful February.

New Website/Blog Features

I'll be kicking off the new year with some cool new changes to the blog and website.

Book of the Month

Starting January 1st, I'm going to put up a book review of one of my favorite children's poetry collections each month.

Members' Mailing List

Members of my mailing list will get a monthly email with poems, book suggestions and fun activities. Sign up here.

Printable Coloring Pages

Coming Soon: Printable coloring pages of Nelly & Ned and other poetry characters.

Printable Crosswords and Games

And don't forget to buy a personalized poem from my webstore while they're still available!

Happy Holidays

This will be the first year that I'm not wishing for a white Christmas. I'll be flying JFK to Buffalo in the morning. I really hope Buffalo isn't snowed over!

On that note, Happy Holidays everyone. Here's a Christmas poem for you guys to enjoy. It's one of the ditties I write to put up on my website's opening page for each holiday.



We forgot the tree this Christmas Eve.

When Santa found out he must have been peeved.

I found our gifts on the front lawn

With a letter attached that told where we went wrong.

It said, “Look, it’s bad enough these days

That nobody has a fireplace.

I’m trying hard to modernize

In attempt to accommodate you guys.

But your doors have thirty seven locks

And those giant red sacks hardly resemble socks.

I had to send the elves to college

So they can build those fancy e-lec-tronics.

Everyone left cookies again.

That’s a lot of sugar for a senior citizen.

All I’m asking for is a way to get in

And a place to put the presents I bring.

Next year I hope that you’ll agree

To leave the door open and put up a tree”

Acrostic Name Poems Now Available!

If you check out my website, you can now order personalized acrostic name poems for your kids. Get them now while they're still available. People are ordering them faster than I can write them!

Personalized Name Poems for Kids

I've had quite a few people email me asking for personalized poems for their kids. So naturally I've decided to give it a shot. These aren't going to be the fill in the blank impersonal ones you can buy anywhere. I want to individualize them to each kid so they can be something special parents or kids can hold onto.

In the next couple of weeks, check my website for ordering options. I'll post more info when I have it.